In the world of Formula 1, it is not just the drivers, teams and cars that play a decisive role. Those who manage the regulations, apply the sanctions and monitor safety also have a fundamental impact on the spectacle. This role falls to the FIA (International Automobile Federation). The FIA is known for often being at the center of controversy for decisions on the regulation deemed inconsistent or influenced by unclear logic, for the teams and for the fans.
Controversy throughout the history of F1
The history of F1 is full of moments in which regulatory interpretations have generated discontent in the Circus. Often, the regulation proposed by the Federation has left room for subjective interpretations And related inconsistent consequences. Over the years the FIA rules seem to become more and more stringent and many spectators seem discouraged from following the sport today also because of this. Just think of one of the rules that has sparked the greatest controversy in recent years: the track limits. In some races, drivers who exceed the limits of the track by a few centimetres are penalised, in other situations they go unnoticed. In addition to all the sanctions that drivers have received in recent times for the language used in radio team and in press conference…But are these really the important things that the FIA should be dealing with?
This type of inconsistency undermines the credibility of decisions and makes it difficult for teams to know exactly what to expect. All fans have clear in their minds several breaking points for the Federation. One of these is undoubtedly the case of 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A controversial management of the Safety car by the Race Director contributed to determining the outcome of the world championship, which saw the protagonists Lewis Hamilton and Max VerstappenThe FIA admitted errors in the procedure, but avoided significant consequences, raising doubts about its impartiality.
And where there is controversy there is politics
In 2025, there was no shortage of controversy over decisions taken to the detriment of Max Verstappen. It would seem in fact that during this season there have been severe penalties against the Dutchman which have led to the belief that the FIA was trying to make the championship more open and competitive. Christian Horner, Team Principal Red Bull he defined these moves by the Federation as “decisions that stink of politics”. Perhaps this open mouth has also undermined the credibility of the Red Bull boss?
Formula 1 is much more than a sporting competition. It is a global business, a billion-dollar machine managed by two “political” oils with very different interests: there is not only the FIA, which governs the sport from a regulatory point of view, but there is also Liberty Medium, owner of the commercial rights of the championship. While the FIA has as its main objective the maintenance of safety, sporting fairness and compliance with technical regulations, Liberty Media, on the contrary, does not pay attention to these aspects, but rather looks at the F1 product as a global spectacle: the priority is entertainment, growth of the audience, television profits and marketing.
More TV and less sports?
These differences of opinion can be found in various details of the championship, such as the question of the inflated calendars, Sprint races and other experimental formats. Liberty Media is pushing to increase the spectacle of F1, while the FIA and the teams fear that all this could compromise the quality of the competitions. The president Mohammed Ben Sulayem He is a figure who is increasingly being talked about. Accused by many of wanting to centralize too much power and of interfering in the dynamics of sport.
In 2023 he had already ended up in the spotlight for some controversial statements and for the non-transparent way in which certain investigations were handled. In 2025, his figure is still the subject of criticism, even from Liberty Media, which seems to be pushing for a future change at the helm of the Federation. The truth is that in Formula 1, as in other high-cost sports, politics is an integral part of the game. The problem arises when power dynamics begin to interfere with the transparency and fairness of sports decisions.
The Future of the FIA
It is undeniable that the FIA plays an indispensable role in Formula 1, none of us would like a competition without rules and safety. But the controversies at the center of which the Federation has been for years underline the need for an evolution. The theme of the transparency in communication It's still a sore point. It's not uncommon for fans, and even teams, to learn the reasons for penalties hours (or days) late, and official documents are written in technical and inaccessible language. In an era dominated by social media and instant information, this approach does nothing but fuel the distrust of those who regularly follow this sport.
What the FIA should be aiming for is greater transparency in decisions, consistency in the application of the regulations and a clearer and more timely communication. Only in this way could it acquire the credibility that an entity of this caliber should possess.
